If you’re looking for a summer favorite that captures the fresh flavors of Italy with a smoky twist, the Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful pizza combines the creamy richness of mozzarella, the vibrant juiciness of heirloom tomatoes, and the aromatic freshness of basil, all perfectly melded on a beautifully charred, crispy grilled crust. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends, offering a fresh and colorful spin on a classic made-to-grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, and this recipe shines because each component is both simple and essential. Every ingredient adds a unique touch, from texture and flavor to color, creating a perfect balance of fresh and smoky on your grill.
- Pizza dough: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade dough for a chewy and crisp base that grills beautifully.
- Pizza sauce: About â…“ cup, enough to add a tangy, herbaceous layer without overpowering the fresh toppings.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ cups of shredded whole milk mozzarella, which melts into a creamy blanket over the crust.
- Heirloom tomato: Half of a large tomato, thinly sliced for juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.
- Basil: A handful of fresh leaves, thinly sliced or hand-torn, to provide that unmistakable fragrant lift.
- Flour and cornmeal: For dusting your pan and dough, this combo helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle crunch.
How to Make Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by preheating your outdoor grill to high heat and make sure the grates are clean. This crucial step ensures that your pizza dough will cook evenly and develop those gorgeous grill marks we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a pizza pan dusted with flour and cornmeal, roll out your dough and gently stretch it to fill a 9-inch pan. This provides a sturdy yet tender canvas that will grill without tearing or sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Dough
Slide your prepared dough carefully onto the hot grill, positioning it in the center. Close the lid and grill for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Keep a watchful eye to avoid burning while allowing the crust to become perfectly charred and crispy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Toppings
Once both sides of your crust are grilled, reduce the grill heat to low. Bring the crust inside and spread an even layer of pizza sauce. Follow that with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and arrange the thin tomato slices on top for that colorful, fresh look.
Step 5: Finish Grilling
Return your assembled pizza to the grill and cook until the cheese has melted into gooey perfection and the toppings are warmed through. Finally, garnish with fresh basil, slice, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish here, offering an aromatic finish that brightens every bite. You might also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or drizzle a bit of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for that extra layer of richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs amazingly well with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil, or a light antipasto platter featuring olives, cured meats, and roasted peppers. These sides keep the meal fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving smaller, individual Grilled Caprese Pizzas as part of an outdoor gathering. Or arrange a pizza board with fresh basil leaves and tomato wedges on the side, allowing guests to customize their slices. Presentation is a playful way to highlight this recipe’s vibrant colors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to two days. The fresh toppings can lose a bit of their texture, but reheating will help restore some of the delicious melty goodness.
Freezing
This particular grilled pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze the grilled dough before adding toppings. Wrap the dough well and freeze for up to a month. To use, thaw before adding toppings and grilling again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on a low grill or in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to maintain that crispy crust and melted cheese without drying out the toppings.
FAQs
Can I use a regular oven instead of a grill?
Absolutely! While the grill gives the pizza a smoky char that’s hard to beat, you can bake the pizza in a very hot oven (around 500 degrees Fahrenheit) on a pizza stone or baking sheet for a similar crispy crust and melted cheese effect.
What type of mozzarella works best?
Whole milk mozzarella is preferred because of its creamy melt and mild flavor. Fresh mozzarella can be used but may release more moisture, so use it sparingly and drain it well.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
This Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe is already vegetarian since it’s topped with classic Caprese ingredients—mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding meat.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the grill?
Dust your pizza pan generously with a mixture of flour and cornmeal before rolling out the dough. Also, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the dough on them to prevent sticking.
What if I don’t have heirloom tomatoes?
Heirloom tomatoes add a beautiful color and complex flavor, but you can use any ripe, firm tomato you have on hand. Choose tomatoes that are juicy but not watery for the best texture on your pizza.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of fresh ingredients and grilled smoky flavor that makes the Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe a standout. It’s a perfect recipe for sharing with loved ones that captures the essence of summer dining. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy of making this fresh and flavorful pizza your own!
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Grilled Caprese Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Caprese Pizza recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad by combining it with a crispy, smoky grilled pizza crust. Featuring fresh heirloom tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, vibrant basil leaves, and rich pizza sauce, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful, fresh, and cheesy pizza that balances smoky grill flavors with light, fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour and cornmeal (for dusting pan)
Toppings
- â…“ cup (123 g) pizza sauce, more if needed
- 1 ½ cups (112 g) shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ large heirloom tomato, thinly sliced
- Handful of basil, thinly sliced or hand-torn
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat, ensuring the grill grates are clean and properly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: On a 9-inch pizza pan lightly dusted with flour and cornmeal, roll out your pizza dough and gently stretch and pull it to fit the pan’s dimensions evenly.
- Grill the Dough: Carefully transfer the shaped dough onto the grill grates, positioning it centered over the heat. Close the grill lid and cook the dough for 3-5 minutes per side, monitoring closely to achieve a slightly charred and crisp crust without burning.
- Assemble Toppings: Once the dough is grilled on both sides, reduce the grill heat to low and remove the dough from the grill. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the grilled dough base. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then layer the thinly sliced heirloom tomato pieces on top.
- Finish Grilling: Return the assembled pizza to the grill and cook on low heat until the mozzarella melts completely and the toppings are warmed through, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the pizza from the grill, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure your grill grates are well cleaned and oiled before cooking to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Adjust grilling time based on your grill’s heat intensity to avoid burning the crust.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a little olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and ripe heirloom tomatoes to maximize flavor.
- Can be customized with additional toppings like fresh garlic, olives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
